Like most local parents, Jennifer Kidd knows the economy is in bad shape. She reads about the sweeping job cuts, the plummeting stock prices, the massive unemployment rates. She says at times, watching the news feels more like watching a bad horror movie.
But Kidd, a single mom with two young boys, knows she can't let a stagnant economy stand in the way of her family's fun. "The times are tough, for sure," she says, "so you've just got to be smarter about what you do and when you do it."
With Kidd's enthusiasm in mind, we dedicate this article to frugal-minded families looking to save a few dollars while they make a few memories. Come with us as we take a wallet-friendly tour of Forsyth County.

Outdoors on a Dime
Pick a Playground

Forsyth County is filled with colorful playgrounds — perfect spots for a carefree afternoon of fun. But to take your playground experience to another level, head East to Kernersville's Triad Park. Opened in 1997, the 426-acre park contains three separate playgrounds, each one full of dazzling slides, swings, and shelters. For the mountaineer at heart, the park offers a separate rock-climbing playground with several walls of varying difficulty.

COST: Free! Park facilities can be rented for a fee.

MORE DETAILS: The park is open seven days a week, although hours vary by season. 9652 E. Mountain St., Kernersville. 336-703-2500.

ALSO TRY: The playgrounds at Walkertown Community Park, Horizons Park, and Miller Park feature scenic wooded settings and are free to use.


Rock the Boat
There are a lot of great ways to enjoy picturesque Salem Lake: biking, jogging, fishing from the pier, or just relaxing on the bank. But to really make a splash, try renting a boat and heading out on the 365 acres of water. Fishing boats can be rented by the day, while canoes and pedal boats can be rented for hourlong sessions from April to October.

COST: Fishing boat rentals are $6 per day, while canoes and pedal boats can be rented for $4 per hour.
MORE DETAILS: An N.C. fishing license is required. Park hours vary, although it's currently open from 7 a.m. to 8 p.m. 336-650-7677.

ALSO TRY: Mallard Lake at Tanglewood Park has paddleboats, canoes, and aqua-cycles for rent: $4 per 30 minutes. The boats are available weekends from Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Take a Dip
It's hard to beat a day at Tanglewood Park. From biking and fishing to just plain relaxing, the site offers plenty to justify its $2 admission fee. But without question, the park's most refreshing amenity is the Peter S. Brunstetter Aquatic Center. With diving boards, water slides, a water playground, and eight 25-meter swimming lanes, the facility offers just about everything a pool-goer could desire. Loungers are sure to love the expansive deck and concession stand area, too. To beat the heavy weekend and afternoon crowds, try going around noon on weekdays.

COST: $3 weekdays/$4 weekends for both seniors and children 5 and under. $4 weekdays/$5 weekends for all others. Free for children 2 and under.
MORE DETAILS: The pool is open seven days a week starting May 26. 4061 Clemmons Rd., Clemmons. 336-778-6300; http://www.forsyth.cc/tanglewood.
ALSO TRY: Bolton Pool (1590 Bolton St.) is well-equipped to handle big crowds, and also offers a water playground for kids. There is a small admission fee.

Learn on a Dime
Explore Area Museums
From the history at Old Salem to the art at Reynolda House, the Twin City has an embarrassment of riches when it comes to museums. But one that often gets overlooked is the delightfully unique Museum of Anthropology at Wake Forest University. Although it's small, the museum has an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts and visual arts from a variety of global cultures. It typically features an exhibit as well, such as a Korean Funerary Figures display that will run through May 16. But our favorite part of the museum is its petite gift shop, which is stocked with intriguing options for kids and adults.

COST: Free! Donations are appreciated, however.
MORE DETAILS: The museum is behind Kentner Stadium on the Wake Forest campus. It's open Tuesday through Saturday, 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
ALSO TRY: Diggs Gallery on the campus of WSSU features a wide range of African-American and regional artwork. The Delta Fine Arts Center is currently featuring a stunning quilt show.

Love the Library
Even in the age of high-speed Internet and high-def TV, there's still something curiously fascinating about libraries. Aside from the rows of knowledge hiding on the bookshelves, libraries are also a great place to rent videos or audio books. More than that, local branches offer a variety of classes and programs, most of which are free to attend. Reading groups, children's story times, and computer training courses are just a few of the programs offered at local libraries. Go on, explore!

COST: Free! Just remember to bring those books back on time.
MORE DETAILS: Forsyth County Public Library cards can be obtained at the circulation desk of any branch. http://www.forsythlibrary.org.
ALSO TRY:For used books and other media items, try Edward McKay (115 Oakwood Dr.) or Crocodile Used Books (4007 Country Club Rd.).

Attend a Lovefeast
Say the word Lovefeast anywhere else in America, and you'll surely get some puzzled looks. But around here, most folks know Lovefeasts to be the cornerstone service of the Moravian Church. The celebrations feature hymns of goodwill sung to organ music, and a simple meal of bread and coffee (no worries, Mom, it's decaf). And although Lovefeasts occur throughout the calendar year, the events tend to shine a little brighter during the Christmas season. That's when the glow of lighted beeswax candles fills the congregation.

COST: Free!
MORE DETAILS: Lovefeasts occur throughout the year at Moravian churches. To find a church in our area, go to mcsp.org.
ALSO TRY: The Easter Sunrise Service at Old Salem is powerful in effect and free of charge.

Sightseeing on a Dime

Pack a Picnic
For a picnic in a historic spot, grab a blanket and head out to Bethabara Park. A historic national landmark, Bethabara dates back more than 250 years when Moravians first settled in the area. Many of the relics from that period have been re-created, including a collection of historic buildings and a wartime fort. Other interest points include a Visitor's Center, nature trails, and gardens. If dining on a blanket isn't your style, you'll find two picnic areas with plenty of tables.

COST: Free! Guided tours are available at $2 for adults and $1 for children.
MORE DETAILS: The park is open all day year-round. The Visitor's Center and exhibit buildings are open from April 1 to December 16. 2147 Bethabara Rd. 336-924-8191; http://www.bethabarapark.org.
ALSO TRY: Kernersville's Harmon Park is a quaint downtown spot for picnicking, while Pfafftown's CG Hill Memorial Park's lake offers a pretty setting.

Enjoy the Gardens
There's plenty of natural beauty in Winston-Salem, from blooming azaleas in the spring to brilliant maples in the fall. But for a place with year-round radiance, head to Reynolda Gardens. The 125-acre gardens feature woodlands, open fields, wetlands, and a formal garden complete with a greenhouse. Two nature trails also traverse the property, while crushed-stone pathways wind through the formal garden area. One trip through, and you'll see why Reynolda Gardens remains one of the most beloved retreats in town.

COST: Free! Green-thumb-themed items are for sale in The Garden Boutique, located inside the greenhouse.
MORE DETAILS: The gardens are open during daylight hours throughout the year. The greenhouse is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Monday through Saturday. 100 Reynolda Village. 336-758-5593; http://www.reynoldagardens.org.
ALSO TRY: The Arboretum at Tanglewood contains various flora, herbs, and other plants. It's free to explore after you pay $2 for park admission.

Experience Higher Learning
While it might be a stretch to call Winston-Salem a college town, our city does have its fair share of college campuses to explore, each with a distinct charm. Take a pass around the quad at Wake Forest University, which sits in the shadow of the towering Wait Chapel. Stroll through the rolling hills and historic buildings of Salem College, the oldest educational institute for women in the country. Go see the Clock Tower area at Winston-Salem State University, or the Hollywood-inspired facilities at the University of North Carolina School of the Arts. You might just learn a thing or two.

COST: Free!
MORE DETAILS: Each campus is easily drivable, but beware of parking tickets. Check each school's Web site for additional details and specifications.
ALSO TRY: Other Triad campuses, such as Guilford College and High Point University, are delights to see.

Entertainment on a Dime

Get Festive Downtown
Summertime brings a variety of events to downtown Winston-Salem, but a constant you can count on is the First Friday Gallery Hop series. While not extravagant, these events celebrate everything that's great about our city: visual art, live music, unique entertainment, and great food. Like the name implies, the hops occur the first Friday of every month, but seem to kick into high gear during the spring.

COST: Free! Excluding food and art purchases.
MORE DETAILS: Gallery Hops occur in the downtown arts district along Sixth, Trade, and Liberty streets. The local galleries and shops extend their hours from 7 to 10 p.m.
ALSO TRY: Don't miss the Downtown Live Summer Music series. Also, September's Rock the Block event has become the perfect way to wrap up the summer season.

Go Hollywood
Movie tickets, popcorn, candy, sodas — so much for a cheap night at the movies! Luckily, the Town of Lewisville offers the perfect solution to mounting movie costs with its Starlight Movie Nite series. Held on various nights throughout the summer, the series lets you take in a movie under the stars at Shallowford Square. Bring your blankets, lawn chairs, and appetites, as plenty of concessions are sold on site.

COST: Free!
MORE DETAILS: The event kicks off April 24 with Kung Fu Panda. Other screenings include High School Musical 3 (May 8), Iron Man (July 17), Madagascar 2 (August 21), and Evan Almighty (September 25).
ALSO TRY: The movies at the Marketplace Cinema might be a bit dated, but it's hard to beat the $2.50 price. And while the screens aren't monstrosities like other movie houses, Countryside Cinema in Kernersville shows new flicks for $3.

Sample the Sports
Our town is loaded with teams to cheer for — from hockey to baseball to plenty of prep sports. But the one tradition that seems to define our area's love of sports is catching a race at Bowman Gray Stadium. As NASCAR's longest-running weekly racetrack, Bowman Gray welcomes hundreds of spectators to the track each week for modified, stock, and sportsman races. And while the site offers concessions, guests are permitted to bring coolers with their favorite beverages and snacks.

COST: Admission for adults is $10, children ages 6 to 11 are $1, and kids under 6 are free. To keep costs under $20, try attending on Ladies' Nights, when women are admitted for $1.
MORE DETAILS: This year's first race is April 25. 336-723-1819; http://www.bowmangrayracing.com.
ALSO TRY: The Twin City Cyclones offer plenty of hockey action at a low price. Also, check out the Wake Forest University Men's Soccer team — consistently one of the top soccer programs in the nation. And don't forget the new Winston-Salem Dash — which has an assortment of family-friendly packages to choose from.

More on a Dime Ideas
1) Go Skating. Both Skateland USA of Clemmons (2512 Neudorf Rd.) and Skate Haven USA (120 Hood Dr.) have $2 rentals and some $4 sessions.
2) Find low-priced treasures and recession-proof decorating ideas at specialty shops like Classic Consignment. 5226 US Highway 158, Advance.
3) Take a walking tour of the historic West End area. Maps are available at the Visit Winston-Salem office. 200 Brookstown Ave. http://www.visitwinstonsalem.com.
4 Do some treasure hunting at Cooks Flea Market and Flea Country USA, both of which are just off Highway 52 on Patterson Avenue.

5) Enjoy the summertime concert series Music in the Courtyard, which is held Thursdays at Stratford Place Shopping Center. 135 S. Stratford Rd.
6) Play tennis at an area park, particularly Hanes Park (625 West End Blvd.), which has 20 courts, or Parkland Park (1660 Brewer Rd.), which has six.
7) Stop by Krispy Kreme's South Stratford Road location when the "Hot Doughnuts Now" sign is fired up, then watch as our town's favorite treats are made before your eyes. 259 S. Stratford Rd.
8) Take a slow drive through the classically beautiful Buena Vista neighborhood, which is nestled between Robinhood, Reynolda, and Stratford roads.
9) Stop by the annual Junior League Rummage Sale, happening April 24-25 at the LJVM Annex. You'll find more than 60,000 square feet of sales.
10) Go bowling. Creekside Lanes features $1 games and $1 shoe rentals for school kids between 3 and 5 p.m. during the week. 1450 Trade Mart Blvd.
11) Take an enriching tour of the Reynolda House Museum of American Art. While it's $10 for parents, kids get in free of charge. 2250 Reynolda Rd.
12) Eat Mexican. These eateries typically offer festive atmospheres, low costs, and free chips and salsa. Muy bueno!
13) Get a scoop. Blue Ridge Ice Creams has an after-school special from 3 to 5 p.m. weekdays. 135 S. Stratford Rd.
14) Go people-watching at Hanes Mall. While the shopping might cost you, the looking is free!
15) Grab Fido and head to the Happy Hounds Dog Park at Horizons Park. The 2-acre park lets every dog have its day, leash-free. 2835 Memorial Industrial School Rd.
16) Give something back by volunteering your time. For an extensive look at volunteer opportunities in our area, go to http://www.HandsOnNWNC.org or call 336-724-2866.
17) Take a jog or a bike ride along one of the city's greenways. While Salem Lake's 6.94-mile trail is a popular spot, the Strollway from downtown to Old Salem offers a quick getaway for city workers.
18) Root on a local high-school football team. With marching bands, tasty concessions, and plenty of passionate parents, these gridiron battles are sure to pack a punch.
19) Test your skateboarding skills at Kernersville's Fourth of July Park, which features a skate park for boarders and inline skaters. The park also offers several playgrounds. 702 W. Mountain St.
20) Play a round of mini-golf at Jimmy Mac's Golf Range. To save some money, head out for half-priced Wednesdays, or $1 off Sundays. 2397 W. Clemmonsville Rd. http://www.jimmymacsgolfrange.com.
21) Attend a wine tasting at an area vineyard. Most tastings run less than $6 and can add up to a full day of fun. Be sure to ask for a tour! To search for vineyards, go to http://www.visitncwine.com.
22) Head to Bell Brothers Cafeteria for the best in Southern-style comfort food. The low prices and generous portions are sure to satisfy any appetite. 4320 N. Liberty St.
23) Take the family out for a hot dog lunch. From Pulliam's to P.B.'s, we're blessed to have a wide range of hot dog stands in our area, most of which sell delicious dogs for less than $2.
24) Keep your eye out for free-to-attend events at Bethabara Park, such as the Celtic Festival in the spring or the Apple Festival in the fall. http://www.bethabarapark.org.
25) Get in the holiday spirit with several inexpensive events around Christmastime. The city's tree-lighting ceremony is free, while Home Moravian Church's Candle Tea will cost you next-to-nothing.

Dining on a Dime

There are dozens of local restaurants where kids can eat free, or almost free. Here's a quick look at a few of our favorites:

Christopher's 712 Brookstown Ave.
What's the deal: One free kid's pizza or grilled cheese with fries for every paying adult on Mondays from 5–9 p.m.

Corbin's Bar & Grill 520 Hanes Mall Blvd.
What's the deal: One child eats free with an adult purchase on Tuesday nights. Also, Wednesday is 35-cent wing night.

Foothills Brewery 638 W. Fourth St.

What's the deal: Come in on Tuesdays for half-priced kids' meals. Available for kids ages 12 and under.

Old Fourth Street Filling Station 871 W. Fourth St.
What's the deal: One child eats free with an adult purchase on Monday nights.

Upper Crust Pizza 1816 Silas Creek Pkwy.
What's the deal: Kids eat free with a paying adult Monday through Thursday (this applies to the kids' menu only; buffet not included). Also, a complimentary dessert dipping sauce is served with each pizza.